In Memory of Shirley Shelley

 

In loving memory of Shirley Shelley

May 31, 1932 - June 6, 2012

 

God blessed Mike and I eight or so years ago when we said yes to our first and only Lay Renewal.  Our brother in Christ, Rex, asked us to do a Lay Renewal.  We prayed about it and decided this is what God wanted us to do.  We did not know at the time of our church location.  As time grew closer to our time to serve we found out it was Mike's home church, First Baptist Church of Hamlet, North Carolina.  As we arrived in Hamlet on Friday afternoon we met at the church to start our week-end of blessings beyond any words can describe.  Rex or maybe even a church member said your host family is Shirley Shelley.  So after the evening activities we headed to Shirley Shelley's home in Hamlet. We were greeted with a good ole fashion southern hello and welcome home.  At that moment we felt like we were right at home.  She definitely had the gift of hospitltialy. She took excellent care of us the entire week-end.  So after the Sunday activities we bid Shirely Shelley good-bye and wished her well.  Maybe we will see you again the next time we come to Hamlet to visit Mike's family.

Five years ago God blessed us once again when we got word First Baptist Hamlet was coming with a mission team to build a home, do VBS and evangelize.  We got the roster and there  was Shirley Shelley's name.  Shirley was 79 years old when she came to Choluteca, Honduras on her first and only mission trip. 

Shirley and two other friends, Clara and Dianna worked hard all week doing the laundry for the teams, washing the dishes and getting up at 5 AM each morning to cook a full course breakfast for the team members.

On the first day the entire team went to the job site to work.  Shirley learned how to lay blocks the first day and she helped keep her fellow team members hydrated.  After the first day Shirley, Dianna and Clara stayed at the house to do the daily chores I mentioned earlier.  Mike would take the ladies to the job site in the afternoon to do VBS with the children.

Shirley enjoyed doing VBS with the children.  She made one little friend which was somewhat of a handful but Shirley had just the right touch to love him unconditionally even when he was night behaving.  Each day this little fellow found his way to the front of the church to sit with Shirley as she gently encouraged him to participate in the singing and crafts.  I left the ladies one day in charge of organizing some clothes items previous teams had left behind.  There was not a task Shirley did not attempt during her 8 days in Honduras. 

One night during devotionals she shared how she accepted Christ at the age of 26 years old and she told God that day she wanted to be a missionary or go somewhere international to serve Him and His kingdom work.  It took her 50 some years but she kept her promise to God and came to Honduras. 

After returning home from her mission trip some time later she found out she had cancer.  Shirley fought and stood strong through her two year battle with cancer.  If you did know she had cancer you would never guess cancer was apart of her life.  She continued serving the Lord through her church family and through other activities in her community. 

Shirley and I became kindred spirits because while in Honduras she grew to love the people hear as Mike and I do. She got it.  Her first and only trip she got it.  How beautiful the lives of the Honduras people are and how much she learned about what is important in life.  After her visit Shirley and I stayed in contact with each other via telephone calls at least twice a month.  She wanted to know what we were up to and how were her newfound friends in Honduras were getting along.  She was genuinely concerned about the welfare of these people.  Shirley shared how she prayed for them on a regular basis and the ministry in Honduras. 

As time passed if we were at Mike's mother's home visiting Shirley came over just so she could catch up on all the activities of Honduras.  We would set for couple of hours over tea or coffee at Mike's mothers discussing and answering all her questions.  It was awesome for Mike and I because we love discussing the ministry the Lord has called us to serve.

Time was passing by for Shirley Shelley and she knew as everyone else her time on this earth was getting shorter.  One time Shirley shared with Mike and I what she had ask her family to do when she had passed.  Shirley requested a home to be built for a family in Honduras.  As tears poured down all our cheeks we were humbled by this act of service.  Shirley truly got it.

The last couple of months Shirley and I talked weekly.  I was more checking on her at this point and she never once complained or acted like any thing was wrong with her. 

Several times she and I would be talking, she shared with me how she wished her two grandsons could experience the joy and beauty of Honduras as she had gotten to five years ago. I said maybe one day Shirley God will honor this request.

Mike and I were due to go home in June of 2012 for our first grandchild's birth.  We were blessed during this time, we did not have a team schedule to come to Honduras.  Mike and I were busy the morning before flying out getting packed, I shared with Mike, "I feel my friend has gone home to be with the Lord."  Mike called his mother to check on Shirley and Nana, Mike's mother, shared she had passed earlier that morning.  We have had several friends go home to be with the Lord since serving here but there has never been one where we were home for the funeral.  God allowed me to say good-bye to my dear friend one more time.  Mike, our daughter Stephanie, Mike's mother and I were able to attend Shirley's funeral.  No one was expecting Mike and I to be there.  Pastor Randy was leading the service and he shared how much Shirley Shelley loved serving her Lord and serving others.  Pastor Randy learned from her  what an impact going to Honduras two years prior had played in Mrs. Shirley's life.  He said how she continuously talked about those beautiful people and how much they did for each other and how loving they were.  He also shared how we are never too old to go on a foreign mission trip if God has called us to go.  Mrs. Shirley was our example of a faithful servant.  As these words were coming out of Pastor Randy's mouth tears flowed continuously down my cheeks.  Pastor Randy shared with the congregation how Mike and I were there for the service.  We did not  know until this day how much Shirley Shelley truly loved Honduras. 

Two years has passed and Reggie, team leader from the first year got a team together to come to Honduras and make Shirley Shelley's wish a reality.  He called our friend Rex, who held the Lay Renewal 8 years ago also came with Mrs. Shirley in 2010 to build a home.  Reggie worked the entire team around two young men who I became to love as much as their grandmother, Shirley.  William and Mack Shelley were able to come to Honduras and complete Shirley's wish of them seeing, feeling and touching the beauty of what God calls Choluteca, Honduras.  As they worked along side of 7 other people who they did not know, William and Mack exemplified true characters I am sure they learned from their parents as well as their grandmother.  Shirley Shelley would have been so proud of each of them.  I jokingly shared with the young men one morning at the job site, "I bet you did not know what your grandmother was getting you two into this week."  The temperature each day ran in the 95's and up.  The young men worked as hard as any of the team members.  William preserved just like his grandmother where there was not a task he would not try.  Mack had a blast with all the children just like his grandmother did while serving here.  We all felt like there was a small piece of Shirley Shelley with us this week.  Rex had a plaque built in memory of Shirley Shelley.  After the home dedication, we gathered inside the home to present the family with the plaque.  William and Mack decided to hang it over the doorway inside the house.  During the entire week of construction our staff did not make the connection of why William and Mack were with us building this home.  William and Pastor G worked together on getting the plaque ready to hang and Pastor G turned the plaque over to read what it said he looked at me and said who was this person.  I shared it was the lady who came five years ago at the age of 79.  I shared William and Mack were her grandsons and they were making a wish come true for their grandmother.  Once he realized the connection he knew exactly who she was.  There is not many79 year old ladies who make their way to Honduras.  This was a God moment for me.  Since Mrs. Shirley God has blessed us with other 79 and up adults who come to serve.

Everyone loved Shirley Shelley when she came to Honduras her one and only time to be a missionary for Jesus.  We shared her story with the family and how every one fell in love with this godly lady.  She would brighten any one's day.  Shirley set the example for us all of being who God has called us to be and to give our all whenever He calls us to do His will.  She was an encourager for me on how to always persevere with life no matter how easy or hard it may seem.  Shirley had Hospice come in the last few weeks of her life.  I remember her sharing they better not be late because I got to be at the hospital to visit people from church.  Pastor Randy said he went by to see her one day and she was not at home. So he went on over to the hospital to visit his folks and who do you think he ran into Shirley Shelley.  This was about two to three weeks before she went home to be with the Lord.  Shirley Shelley I hope I grow up to be just like you and live my life as a godly example as your life reflected.  I learned one phrase during my short journey with Shirley Shelley and that is "Good Land".  So when I hear this phrase today I always reflect back on the beautiful memories of my friend and sister in Christ, Shirley Shelley.  Every time I ride by Fransico's home, the one Shirley help built, I reflect back on that week and how God blessed me with this special lady.  Her grandson, Mack was always the last one to get in line for breakfast or dinner and I shared the first night he was there "Last is first and first is last".  This was Shirley Shelley, she always put others before her self.  She was definitely the hands and feet of Jesus on a daily basis.

 

"So the last shall be first and the first shall be last."

Matthew 20:16

 The Wife of Noble Character

^10 [a]A wife of noble character who can find?
    She is worth
¹¹ Her husband has full confidence in her
    and lacks nothing of value.
¹² She brings him good, not harm,
    all the days of her life.
¹³ She selects wool and flax
    and works with eager hands.
¹⁴ She is like the merchant ships,
    bringing her food from afar.
¹⁵ She gets up while it is still night;
    she provides food for her family
    and portions for her female servants.
¹⁶ She considers a field and buys it;
    out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
¹⁷ She sets about her work vigorously;
    her arms are strong for her tasks.
¹⁸ She sees that her trading is profitable,
    and her lamp does not go out at night.
¹⁹ In her hand she holds the distaff
    and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
²⁰ She opens her arms to the poor
    and extends her hands to the needy.
²¹ When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
    for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
²² She makes coverings for her bed;
    she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
²³ Her husband is respected at the city gate,
    where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
²⁴ She makes linen garments and sells them,
    and supplies the merchants with sashes.
²⁵ She is clothed with strength and dignity;
    she can laugh at the days to come.
²⁶ She speaks with wisdom,
    and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
²⁷ She watches over the affairs of her household
    and does not eat the bread of idleness.
²⁸ Her children arise and call her blessed;
    her husband also, and he praises her:
²⁹ “Many women do noble things,
    but you surpass them all.”
³⁰ Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
    but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
³¹ Honor her for all that her hands have done,
    and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

 



 

An Unique Journey in Christ This Week

 

The team of First Baptist Hamlet came in on June 6 to build a home in Honduras.  As Mike and I watched them on the screens in the airport we shared with each other they sure are traveling light.  Well there was a reason they were traveling light.  After everyone had left the airport but us and they finally came through immigration the reality set in for us all.  Their checked bags were not sent.  Thirteen bags were still in Miami.  This team gets the reward for being flexible this day.  They all worked for two days without their luggage.  The day Diana was to do VBS was the third day.  So we let them borrow tennis shoes, toothpaste and whatever else they needed to function on the first two days.  Mike did not want to go back the first day of the construction to get the luggage because he wanted to be there for the beginning of the home who a very special person built.

This week First Baptist of Hamlet came down with a team from three different churches with one common bond, to build a home in El Porvenir, Las Cabasas, Choluteca, Honduras.  Those of you who follow this blog with realize we are in Las Cabasas.  We found out this week the name of Ingrid's, Joel's and Alida's community is El Porvenir.  It took us five years to figure this one out.  For me it will always be just Las Cabasas.  Now that we have the geographies of the location corrected let's journey down an amazing and precious week in Honduras.  Every week is very special in every way but this particular week was uniquely special.  This home is being built by a very special lady who was dear to so many of us, Shirley Shelley.  We were blessed this week to have her two grandsons, William and Mack, who helped build the home for Carlos, Glenda and their five beautiful children.  Reggie and Diana, Betty Lynn and Rex were on  the team Shirley was on five years ago when she came her one and only time to Honduras.  Shirley went back home in October and find out in January of 2011 she had cancer.  Before she went home to be with the Lord, she told her family to do whatever they wanted with all her stuff  but do one thing for her and that is to build a home for a family in Choluteca, Honduras.  Reggie, Diana and Betty Lynn saw this wish become a reality this week.  The blessing of it all was to have William and Mack here to work with us in memory of their grandmother.

The team greeted each other and Reggie did a phenomenal job introducing the team without a tear.  So proud of you Reggie. God was able to speak through Reggie the first day and allow Reggie to say all God wanted him to say.  Carlos introduced his family and how grateful he was to have them there to answer a prayer for his family, to receive a home.  El Porvenir had at least fifteen men and women daily helping in the building of their family and neighbor a home.  The team opened in prayer before laying out the ground work for the first block of the day.  It was a blessing to see how the day unfolded and how everything flowed ever so smoothly.

 

"Be devoted to one another in love.  Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.  Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.  Share with the Lord's people who are in need.  Practice hospitality."

 

Romans 12:10-13

 

 

Three churches become one

 

As the week progressed the three churches became one family. I always enjoy seeing how God works and uses people from different ages and walks of life.  The ages on this team ranged from 18 to 66. Each team member became one this week in the Lord.  I enjoyed watching them all work on different projects.  Dianna hooked up with Pastor Trey who she had met at the Raleigh Durham airport one day earlier.  Rex worked beside of William and Mack who he had recently met at the airport.  Lauren came along with Rex and Carol who find new friends in Christ very quickly.  This predestined team produced and formed only by our Lord and Savior enjoyed their week building the home. Also thank you to Reggie, team leader who never gave up on who God was going to place on this very special project.  God is always in control when we allow Him to do His kingdom work. 

The ladies of the community had a difficult but necessary job for the construction of the home.  They walked over to a nearby well to bring back the water needed to mix the mescal.  For some reason this week Carlos and Glenda's well was very low.  No problem, the ladies kept the water coming throughout the entire week.  Mike and I were leaving the job site one morning to greet a line of children bringing their families corn meal for tortillas and water for cooking and cleaning.  Some of them were still in their school uniforms from their morning classes.  The children in Honduras start very young working and helping their families with daily chores. 

Glenda's mother enjoyed each and every day as she assisted and watched her daughter's home going up.  She was always generous with a delicious cup of black coffee with sugar on a daily basis.  The Honduran hospitality is always a joy to witness and to receive. 

Betty Lynn's devotional touched on this entire week.  Live our life for God's purpose.  He will never forsake us and HIS LIFE is our purpose. This team as Betty Lynn shared was patient and waited on God to lead their daily steps on this home.  She shared some great scripture on several questions we ask ourselves when living for Christ.

(1) What does He want us to do?

"So whether we eat or drink or whatever we do, do it all for the glory of God."

1 Corinthians 10:31

(2) When does He want us to do it?

"There is a time for everything,

and a season for every activity under the heavens."

Ecclesiastes 3:1

(3) Why do we do it?

"The Son is the image of the invisible God, the first born over all creation. For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities, all things have been created through Him and for Him.  He is before all things and in Him all things hold together. And He is the head of the body, the church, He is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything He might have the supremacy.  For God was pleased to have His fullness dwell in Him and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through His blood shed on the cross."

Colossians 1:15-20

 

 

 

Prayer of dedication for the first block

 

 

The North Americans and Hondurans gathered together as we prayed for the week ahead.  This week was a week full different emotions from all walks of life.  God revealed how powerful He is in all tasks we decide to do in His name.  Thank you God for a beginning to an absolutely beautiful time of serving your people here in El Porvenir.  God is good all the time and all the time our God is so good.  The innocence of little three year old Yeimy listens as the prayer is lifted up to God for her new home.

 

"For where two or more come together in my name, there I am with them."

Matthew 18:20

 

 

Enjoying God's creation and beauty

 

Each day the team traveled down a long bumpy dirt road to our little piece of heaven here on earth.  The beauty of El Porvenir is a God moment for all who enters the community.  The rolling mountains which surrounded this community are a luscious green.  The rainy season is here and has painted everything into a perfect canvas of God's creation. 

Each day the team learned how to take their siesta when Pastor G said "lunch".  Pastor Trey, Mack, Lauren and with the assistance of Maida went to the local school to share Jesus with the children.  They got a game of soccer going with the children at their recess time.  Pastor Trey shared how awesome it was to be able to share Jesus in a public school. Reggie and Dianna were surrounded one morning under a mango tree by the local boys who decided to start up a game of marbles.  Dianna enjoyed the children as they played right under her feet.  Mike and I got to watch an elderly gentleman walking through one of the local pastures to go about his daily chores.  What a blessing to be able to walk to work and endure the beauty of God all around you.  Each day at lunch the Honduran pastors, Orfilio and Jose gathered at a table for lunch sharing about life's pleasures.  Good ole fashion fellowship was shared as a God moment this week.  The people in Honduras take the time for each other in conversation and in their work ethics.  They are there for each other even when they do not have a lot.  They give each other their very best.  Do we do this ourselves?  Do we exemplify Jesus Christ as the Hondurans truly do?  This is a question we here on a regular basis with the teams?  Ask your self what have you done for a friend today without expecting anything in return.   

 

"Be still and know that I am God;

I will be exalted among the nations,

I will be exalted in the earth."

Psalm 46:10

 

"Do not store up for yourself treasures on earth,

where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal.

But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will also be."

Matthew 16:19-21

VBS Three Days and Worship on Sunday Under the Mango Tree

 

The local church is named New Hope Church and was established officially in November of 2013.  The people of El Porvenir did not have a church building or a pastor until November.  In November a team built a home for Ingrid and Tiodoro's family.  At this time they were not Christians but gave their new home to the Lord for the families to have a place to worship.  As of this week the community is still worshiping in Tiodoro's and Ingrid's home.  They meet three times a week in the evening for worship and Sunday School on Sunday for the children. The congregation has actively 35 plus adults and numerous children, maybe 60 children.  While the team was here they went down the path from the "church" and took a left to have their VBS and Sunday School under this huge mango tree.  This tree produced lots of shade and a breeze for the entire week.  The pastor of New Hope Church is Aureille, one of Pastor G's disciples.  He rides his motorcycle about two hours one way to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with the people.  He got up on Sunday morning to open the service with a story about a piece of gum.  He asked Maida would she like his gum.  He shared this was a free gift from him and he wanted her to have his gift.  She does not have to do anything to earn just receive it.  Aurielle then shared with the congregation how they can also have a free gift with no strings attached.   Just receive this gift with faith. This free gift is Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.  He shared we do not have to do anything to earn this free gift please receive it with faith. God will provide all our needs.  Wow, how humbling this message was for me and I hope my fellow brothers and sisters.  Each person listened intently as Aureille shared his message under the mango tree this Sunday morning.  Somewhere this day you all hopefully were worshiping God in your local churches.  We all served the same God but in many different ways.  God only wants us to have faith in Him to deliver His message to a lost and dying world.  Please today worship God in whatever way you see fit but please worship HIM.  He deserves worship, honor and praise.

Three days Dianna, Betty Lynn, Carol and Lauren with the assistance of our Maida did VBS.  One day Dianna did the story of Jesus making fishers of men.  This was so appropriate for this community.  The men fish with nets when they are able to fish.  Dianna's visual of the fishing net with the fish inside of it caught the eye of every child and adult attending.  Lauren shared the bible story of Jesus and the Children on Sunday morning.  Pastor Trey was prepared to do a sermon if needed.  This is where the word flexibility comes an action word.  There were over 60 children and maybe 35 adults.  So the worship service turned into a Sunday School lesson on Jesus and the Children.  After the story crayons and pictures were given to everyone. I mean everyone colored a picture.  It was beautiful watching the different families gathered together coloring, laughing and enjoying being together as a family without working.  They were relaxed and having good old fashion Sunday afternoon fun.  Remember those days sitting on the front porch after church enjoying being with family and sipping on a glass of ice tea.  This is what I visualized that Sunday morning watching the Honduran families enjoying the pleasures of life.  They were not worrying about anything but coloring their pictures and having fun.  After they finished coloring, Pastor Trey asked permission to teach the children a couple of games.  Well our old time favorite "Duck Duck Goose" after much explaining and demonstrating became a well loved game.  But then Pastor Trey introduces the "Bottle Game".  All this game requires is an item, which ours was a empty 2 liter coke bottle and children.  The rest is history full of laughter had by all.  I have never seen the Hondurans laugh as hard and long as I did this Sunday under the mango trees.  This is memories they will talk about for years to come.  The children have learned a new game they can play which only requires an empty 2 liter coke bottle or whatever else might be laying around.  Thank you Reggie, Dianna, Betty Lynn, Pastor Trey, William, Mack, Lauren, Rex and Carol for making worship with the Hondurans a time to remember.

 

"He will fill you mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy."

Job 8:21

 

 

Feliz Cumpleamos Maida

 

 

Maida spent Sunday celebrating her 35th birthday with the people of  El Porvenir and the North American team.  Pastor Aureille gathered the children around Maida and everyone joined in singing and going up and giving her numerous hugs on her special day.  Maida shared this was one of her most favorite birthdays ever.  Thank you all for making Maida's birthday special.

 

"For you created my inmost being,

you knit me together in my mother's womb.

I praise you because you are fearfully and wonderfully made,

your works are wonderful,

I know that full well.

My frame was not hidden from you

when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.

Your eyes saw my unformed body.

all the days ordained for you were written in your book

before one of them came to be.

How precious to me are your thoughts God!

How vast is the sum of them."

Psalm 139: 13-17

The Final Touches

 

As the week comes to an end and the roof and floor go up and down, it is a bittersweet time had by all.  The entire team, Hondurans and North Americans worked very hard to get to this time and place.  During the week Carlos and Glenda were blessed in receiving a pilla for their home.  They did not have means of taking a bath except with a make-shift cover with a bucket of water.  God blessed this family with means of bathing and washing clothes and dishes.  And for all this they were very grateful.

 

"Well done good and faithful servant.:

Luke 16:10

First Dedication of Home

 

The group gathers around the home to share in the dedication of the home.  Reggie, team leader presented the family with bible while Mack, Shirley's grandson gave the family the key to their home.  It was beautiful to see Carlos unlock his home with tears flowing down his cheek.  The family and friends gathered around the home while William, Shirley's grandson gave the prayer of dedication sharing how he was blessed to be a part of his grandmother's wish to build a family a home in Honduras.  He prayed we all need to live by example as his grandmother always lived her life.  He was thankful for his grandmother and what she had taught him during her years here on this earth.  Today we say thank you Shirley Shelley for providing Carlos and Glenda Perez their home where they will stay dry during the rainy season and will be able to lock their door at night for safety.  Let's all of us be more like Shirley Shelley, giving her best for the Lord.

 

"Do not do nothing out of self ambition or vain conceit, Rather in humility value others above yourselves."

Philippians 2:3

 

This was Shirley Shelley.

The Second Home Dedication Was a Memorial to Shirley Shelley

 

Everyone gathered inside the home to share in our fond memories of Shirley Shelley.  Mike shared how we all had come to know Shirley in many different ways.  How she came into our lives 8 or more years ago through a Lay Renewal which was led by our dear friend, Rex.  How amazing God is to put all of us intertwined in each other's lives through one beautiful godly lady named Shirley Shelley.   Rex made a plaque in memory of Shirley which William and Pastor G placed above the door of the entrance of the home earlier.  The family knew early on this was going to be apart of their home dedication.  We shared back in April they would be receiving a home and a very special lady was getting the blessings from it.  As she looks down on this day and sees her dream come true which was to build a home in Honduras and for her two grandsons to get to experience what she experienced 5 years ago, I know she was smiling down on it all.  God always answers prayer.  We may not be there to physically experience it but it is done in HIS timing not ours.  Thank you again Shirley Shelley for blessing us all once again, with your generosity and love for Jesus Christ.  I only hope I can be a third of who you were while here on this temporary journey of life.

 

"This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples."

John 15:8

 

 

 

Old and new friends come together

 

We were blessed this week with two godly couples, Reggie and Dianna and Rex and Carol. They had worked 8 years earlier on the Lay Renewal First Baptist Hamlet sponsored.  This was their connection to Shirley Shelley.  Shirley housed Mike and I during the Lay Renewal Week-end.  This is a small world we live in.  Reggie called Rex and asked him to help build Shirley's house since he was with Shirley 5 years ago to build another home.  Rex of course said yes and he said I will check to see if Carol would like to come.  Well as you can see the rest is history.  The two ladies worked side by side all week as if they had known each other a life time.  Both couples brought so much to the team as what godly couples represent.  They enjoyed laughing and crying together quiet often throughout the entire week.  They did whatever it took to help get the job done.  Both couples were encouragers to their team members and whoever crossed their paths.  We were blessed to have each of you this week serving in Honduras.

Thank You!!!

 

"As for me and my house we will serve the Lord."

Joshua 24:15

Shirley Shelley Would be Proud

 

This week became a very special week for us all.  God blessed us with two special young gentlemen who would have made their grandmother so proud.  I would like to introduce to you my new friends, William and Mack.  They came down to help accomplish their grandmother's wish to build a home for a family in Honduras.  Shirley shared how it was her heart's desire for both of her grandsons to experience the beauty of Honduras as she did.  They were very blessed to experience this early on in life and to share this memory with their grandmother.  Everything Shirley shared about her grandsons was so true.  They were not afraid of work and to help wherever needed.  They were close as brothers and looked after each other daily.  They always had each others back.  They complemented each other in many ways.  Their smiles and laughter reflected a little of their grandmother sometimes.  I felt like I had a little bit of Shirley Shelley with me that week.  They were a joy to be around.  Please remember these two young men did not know any of us coming into this and we all became family as each day progressed along.  Shirley would have been so proud of their accomplishments this week.  They did a little bit of everything each and every day. They never once complained about the heat or the manual labor placed before them.  I jokingly asked them the first day, " I bet you did not know what your grandmother was getting you into when she signed you up in her prayers to come to Honduras."  They both looked at this lady they did not know very well and just smiled.   

 

Even though they are very close they both have their very on gifts.  William worked diligently on the project all week.  He tried it all.  He mixed mescal and laid the blocks.  Whatever needed to be done he learned how and got it done.  He got up on the roof for a short time to help Mike with the roof.  I was so impressed with his attitude of perseverance. He adventured out one day with Bryan who taught William how to shoot a slingshot. William and Pastor G worked on getting the plaque ready to go up.  He was patiently learning how to use the drill as Pastor G was a patient teacher.  Pastor G looked at the plaque and realized who William and Mack were related to.  Very few 79 year old ladies come to Honduras and assist in building a home.  The realization of who William and Mack were made this time even more precious.  He smiled and said she was a great Christ lady. 

 

Now my friend Mack worked very hard on the house.  But when he got the chance top lay with the children he was there.  He has a special gift with children and they all fell in love with Mack.  He enjoyed helping them at VBS with their salvation bracelets.  During Sunday School he was the one chosen to illustrate Duck Duck Goose to the children.  When the children played the "Bottle Game"  Mack showed them how to play this as well along side Pastor Trey.  His smile and wittiness was contagious.  I sometimes saw his grandmother in him. "Good land" was one of her favorite sayings and sometimes he would throw this phrase out. 

 

Thank you William and Mack for making this week complete in many ways.  You are so blessed to have such a godly grandmother, Shirley Shelley.  As she looks down on you two today I know she is proud of the young men you are becoming. 

 

One of Mack's favorite bible verses this week was one who makes you think of Shirley Shelley.

 

"The last shall be first and the first shall be last."

Matthew 20:16  

Antioch Baptist Church Shares The Gospel

 

Antioch Baptist Church of  Monroe, North Carolina came down for their third year to go door to door to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with the people of Santa Cruz and El Porveneir.  El Porveneir is a church plant of Santa Cruz's church, Philadelphia Baptist Church who is pastored by Pastor G.  Pastor G disciples the young men in his church to go out and share the gospel with the people in the Choluteca District.  The team spent three days in Santa Cruz and two in El Porveneir community of 40 homes. 

On the first evening upon arrival the team ate supper and came organized and prepared for the week ahead.   All their VBS materials were categorized by day.  So once they arrived there was less work on this end and more time to pray and prepare for evangelizing.  They brought hygiene kits, crosses, bibles and cups for drinking to give to each home they visited. 

Stacy led the first evening of devotional with "Missions" as her title.  Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  Stacy shared how we are not prepared to do anything and are not equipped to do anything.  Some of us may not had wanted the job to come door to door evangelizing. But like Moses who told God he did not feel equipped to lead the people.  God chooses those of us who are not equipped so that God can equip us to do HIS work.  This team allowed God to use them beyond all their comfort zones.  They came knowing it was going to be hot and a lot of walking going door to door.  Why did they do such a task?  Because God had called each and everyone of them to go and make disciples of all nations.  Not just in Monroe, but to all nations.  Stacy shared those of you who are new this year, God will take you and show you new and different things like you have never seen before.  People who will open their homes to complete strangers, even a different skin tone and language.  And better yet will offer you a seat and a cold coke to quench your thirst.  This is definitely different from what we are us to back home in the states.  Stacy shared with them please let God go before you and lead your every step and see all the beauty God has for each of us this week.  She encouraged each team member to be "Flexible", be "Faithful" and be "Forbearing" as they went out to share the gospel.  Thank you Stacy to a start of a great week of worshiping the Lord.

 

"Therefore go out and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all things I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even till the end of times."

Matthew 28:19-20

Preparing for the Day

 

Each morning the group broke up into groups of four, which consist of three North Americans, one Honduran translator, and a couple of members from the church.  They gathered into their small groups each day sharing a devotional from God's word, sharing prayer requests and praying for their day ahead  which was doing the Kingdom work of God.  We are very grateful for our four translators, Maida, Freddy, Hannah, and Joanna who without them this could not have happened.  Someone from the team shared one evening we need to ASAP - Always Say A Prayer.  We cannot not go out and do God's work He has called us to do without being covered in prayer.  This team allowed God to lead their daily task of evangelizing covered in prayers by the North Americans and the Hondurans. Freddy, one of the translators enjoyed praying at all times.  Are we anxious to pray at all times?  Even when life is going our way.  Do we give God praises for all circumstances?  We need to always be in continuous  prayer to our Heavenly Father.  Without HIM we are nothing.

 

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of  God in Christ Jesus for you."

I Thessalonians 5:16-18

The Evangelism Team Going to all Nations

 

The team prepares to disperse and hit the pavement full of  the joy and love of Jesus Christ.  We had an extra special treat the first day.  Belksie, Pastor G's middle daughter, age 15, was going out with her father to share the gospel.  Pastor G was giving Belksie a few extra pointers and scriptures before they started visiting the families of Santa Cruz.

The team learned the first day Pastor G had taken them to some homes where the families needed prayers for different reasons.  Some of the family members were Christians but needed someone there to pray with and to talk about their many opportunities placed in their lives.

The first day Kathy's  team met a family who were Christians but their elderly mother had fallen eight months earlier and broke her hip.  She had been bed ridden since the accident.  They do not have money to get her the medical care she needs.  But they shared how blessed she was to have a loving family who took care of all her needs on a daily basis.  She had a wheelchair made out of a white plastic chair with bicycle wheels.  Their family also did not have any work.  The team gathered around the three sisters and the grandmother and lifted up their concerns and needs to God.  This was a difficult task but God led the team all the way.  Sometimes we cannot fix the problem and all we can do is pray.  Which is what we should always do first, pray pray pray!!!

Mrs. Nellie's team met a lady who was a Christian who asked for prayers for family members who were not Christian.  As they were sharing the lady's brother came up to see what was happening at his sister's home.  The brother asked the team where is Heaven?

Martin got to meet a new brother in Christ who was excited about JESUS.  He shared how refreshing it was to see someone excited about knowing Jesus Christ. There was another person they met who Martin asked do you believe in Jesus.  The man shared why yes, "I go to church", "I do good for others".  Martin shared this does not get you into Heaven by going to church and doing good things.  It is a personal relationship with Jesus Christ through His blood shed on the cross for all who will receive.  You have to have TRUST AND FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST.

Steven shared with a man about Jesus knocking on his door.  Do you let him in?  Or do you go about your daily life without Jesus leading the way.  The man had a picture of Jesus knocking on some one's door.  Steven used this visual to make his story about Jesus alive where the man could see how big our Jesus truly is.  Jesus stands at the door knocking do we let Him in or do we stand back and reject the sweetest and most precious gift of our lives.

One of the teams went to "Becky's Billiards" where a father and two daughters were working.  The father and two daughters rededicated their lives to Christ right near the pool table. 

Harrison one of the Honduran team members wanted to share the evangie-cube with his family which was his father, grandmother and mother.  The mother used to sell beer in her home, but once she accepted Christ she no longer will sell beer out of her home.  She gave her whole life to Jesus Christ and will count on Him to provide all her needs.

One team visited a very devout Catholic lady who was not interested in hearing the gospel.  This lady was eighty one years old.  Her time here is less than before.  I pray she will seek the greatest gift of her life before it is too late.

A man who was a transvestite, wanted team to pray for him to be able to change his life and live for Jesus Christ.  Pray this man's heart will be changed.

Martin visited an elderly gentleman who could not talk.  But he understood enough to accept Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.  Do I get an AMEN?

Garry Stacy and Neverly visited a man.  While there an ice cream vendor comes up.  The ice cream vendor is a Christian.  The man the team was visiting had seem them out and about the last two days and was hoping they would come visit him.  The man was very pleased to have them visit his home.  Pray he accepts Christ.

There was a three year old who came up to one of the teams to ask them to visit her house.  The team followed the little girl to her home and while there visiting the little girl's mother accepted Christ.

These are just a few of the stories the team shared each day during God moments.  This was only in Santa Cruz.  They spent three days sharing the gospel with Pastor G's home church.  The four groups covered a lot of territory those three days in the scorching heat and hot pavement all for the name of Jesus.  Well done good and faithful servants.

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you shall be my Witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, even to the remotest part of the earth."

Acts 1:8

The Hospitalityand VBS in Santa Cruz

 

 

Each day the team would arrive back at noon for lunch which one day they enjoyed a delicious seafood plate.  The ladies of the church prepared them a beautiful table where they sat and dined and relaxed after their morning of door to door evangelism.  After lunch they headed to the church for VBS.  This team breaks up into four stations for VBS.  They all meet in a large group with a puppet show .  They break up into four groups for soccer, crafts, singing and the bible story.  The VBS averaged up to 145 by day three.  This helps with the crowd control of the two hour VBS.  Of course the children are always a delight to watch as they share the puppet show.  One day they did "The Lost Sheep".  The translators were practicing their bleating like a sheep until they got it just right.  Once again we are very blessed to have such amazing translators who adjust and do whatever it takes to get the job done. One day they did Esther the Queen.  The team brings in clothes for their puppets to switch them out according to the skits.  Mr. Mike and Steven made the puppet stage for the puppet show.  Everyone pitches in to make VBS a success for the children.  The first day they had maybe 50 children but after the puppet show the word spreads and on the last day of VBS like I said there was 145 children who heard the gospel through a puppet show.  This will be a lasting memory for all who got to experience and hopefully one day will lead a child to Christ or even their parents.  Thank you Antioch for putting such effort and energy in preparing the gospel for these lovely people.

 

"Train up a child in the way they should go and when he is old he will not stray from it."

Proverbs 22:6



Two days in El Porveneir

 

 

The last two days the team spent it in a little taste of Heaven.  This village is compiled of 40 homes scattered for miles around some gorgeous mountains.  They started their day by visiting the local school where they shared the gospel, made stick puppets with the children and face painted fifty faces including the teacher.  They had a time of  God's word shared by Pastor Joey, team leader.  After they finished they headed toward the church which is home we built last November.  Ingrid, Theodore and family gave their new home to the church and remained living in their adobe home.  They gathered in their four teams and broke off to share prayers and prayer requests.  God was taking them on such a special journey the next two days.

 

One of their first stop was with a grieving family who as just lost their mother.  This family was Catholic.  Team members prayed with the family.

 

There was a 26 year old lady who is a Christian but shared how she was abused by her husband on a daily basis.  The team asked her could they please pray with her.  They gathered around her and place their arms around her and prayed for her and her husband.

 

Tammy's team met with a family of five and three of them accepted Christ Jesus.  One of the lady's did not feel this was the time for her.  When is the right time.  We are not promised tomorrow.

Antioch Baptist Church Worships Under the Most Beautiful Mango Tree

 

On Sunday morning team gathered their materials for VBS and headed toward El Porveneir.  Upon arrival Pastor G had at least 12 of his disciples from his church out there repairing a problem with a foundation of a home which was to be built the next week.  Dirty and sweaty, Jose G., stopped working grabbed his guitar and headed up to the church under the mango tree.  Pastor Joey went prepared to preach if needed but there was over 50 children and some 20 adults, so Sunday School for the children is what they all did.  One word that is so prevalent here is "flexibility".  Antioch was definitely flexible.  Pastor G's disciple now pastor is Aurelle, age 22, who drives one way  over one and half hours on a motorcycle three times a week to disciple this little piece of heaven, called El Porveneir.   Pastor Aurelle is doing an amazing job reaching out to this community who only had a couple of Christians in it five years ago.  As of today there is about 18 new Christians and 35 plus adults coming to church.  They have bibles which they are studying with the assistance of Pastor Aurelle.  This is a beautiful story of how God can bring the lost to Christ.  One evening the team shared how beautiful their two days was here in El Porvenier.  How God took their weaknesses and glorified Himself through each of them.  Our confidence comes from God.  Pastor Aurelle exemplifies God's confidence in how he shares the gospel with these precious people.  We met under the mango tree instead of the house because it was the adults and children on Sunday.  I was so hoping to worship inside of Ingrid's home/church.  The house could not hold all the folks who came from all directions to worship God this Sunday morning.  God is good all the time and all the time God is good.  A building does not make the church.  The body of believers make up the church and all which glorifies our Father.  Worship is wherever people gather to share the gospel.  The first missionary church started in a home.  The people of Honduras truly live out the bible in their daily lives. 

 

"The churches of Asia send you greetings, Aquila and Prisca, together with the church in their home, send you greetings in Christ."

I Corinthians 16:19

 

"Which is His body, His body, the church, the fullness of Christ, who fills everything in every way."

Ephesians 1:23